There were less than 10 deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases reported in Hawaii in the week ending July 16, making up less than 6.9% of total deaths by all causes in Hawaii, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending July 16, there were 145 deaths in the state. 11.7% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18.6% were from cancer and 7.6% were from COVID-19.
Studies show doctors and medical examiners may underreport Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related conditions as the underlying cause of death on death certificates, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Once infected, older adults with dementia are likely to develop a more severe and dangerous illness. The diseases which make an older adult more vulnerable to COVID-19 are age-associated chronic conditions, according to the Bright Focus Foundation.
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 27 | 18.6 |
| Heart disease | 17 | 11.7 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 12 | 8.3 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 11 | 7.6 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 6.9 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 6.9 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 6.9 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | < 10 | < 6.9 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | < 10 | < 6.9 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 6.9 |
